More Americans are expressing interest in purchasing hybrid cars to curb pollution. The Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy released a new study that reveals significant shifts in public attitudes toward the environment and global warming. The headline: Some 83 percent of Americans say global warming is a "serious problem," 13 percent higher than in 2004.

The report also concludes Americans have become more concerned with environmental threats, which include toxic soil, air pollution, deforestation, extinction of wildlife and water issues.

The Yale survey, which was administered nationwide to 1,000 adults, produced a series of eye-opening findings. Nearly two-thirds of Americans agreed that the United States "is in as much danged from environmental hazards, such as air pollution and global warming, as it is from terrorists." The public's desire to wean the United States from foreign oil and shift toward alternative energies also grew, as did interest in greater investment in energy efficiency, solar and wind power.

Seven in ten Americas said the Bush administration is not doing enough for the environment and should be doing more. Respondents added that they want "greener" consumer products and are willing to spend money and try new technologies to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Two thirds said they would be willing to buy a hybrid car, and 70 percent said they would consider buying solar panels.

These numbers are important as the "green products" market could provide companies with new opportunities. "The United States is in the midst of a ‘revolution,' in which the business community is embracing the profit potential of a burgeoning green consumer movement. And frustrated with the limits of government action, the public increasingly wants business to solve environmental problems," said Dan Esty, director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy.

Esty noted that that the public is no longer waiting for the government to take the lead. Americans are now looking to companies to step up regarding climate change. The survey also suggests that the reasoning for the public wanting investments in alternative energy and action on climate change is widely varied. Some people's concerns stem from the rising gasoline prices, while others want the nation to be free of imported oil.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- August 2007